Is Nooksack, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
93.4/100
waterverge.com Nooksack, WA — Water Quality Report
Nooksack's drinking water received a grade of A (93.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,427 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 20 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Nooksack's water
Nooksack ranks #14 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Nooksack purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Nooksack may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Nooksack, WA water safe to drink?
Nooksack's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (93.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,427 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Nooksack
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Nooksack's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.4/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4635). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Nooksack's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Nooksack's water system has 20 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Whatcom County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1979. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Sf Nooksack R, Nooksack River, Anderson Creek, Nooksack R Overflow, Sumas River.
Where does Nooksack's water come from?
Nooksack's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,427 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sf Nooksack R (river), Nooksack River (river), Anderson Creek (river), Nooksack R Overflow (river), Sumas River (river).
What Nooksack residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Nooksack's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Nooksack's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Nooksack
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Nooksack, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DARIGOLD - LYNDEN LYNDEN, WA98264 | — | — | 6.3 mi |
IKO PACIFIC INC. SUMAS, WA98295 | — | — | 5.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Whatcom County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1979. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Nooksack compares by contaminant
Explore where Nooksack ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Nooksack's water comes from
Nooksack purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Nooksack's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,427 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Nooksack
Nooksack is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Nooksack
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NOOKSACK WATER DEPT | WA5359800 | 2,427 | GWP |
How Nooksack compares
Full Washington rankings →Nooksack's score of 93.4/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Nooksack, WA
Wikipedia →Nooksack is a city in Whatcom County, Washington, United States, 5 mi (8.0 km) south of the border with Canada. The population was 1,471 at the 2020 census. Despite the name, it is actually located right next to the upper stream of the Sumas River, and is 1.2 mi (1.9 km) northeast of the nearest bank of the Nooksack River.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Nooksack's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Whatcom
Frequently asked questions
Is Nooksack, WA tap water safe to drink?
Nooksack's water quality earned a grade of A (93.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #14 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Nooksack's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 20 violations are on record.
How is Nooksack's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Nooksack?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Nooksack's water come from?
Nooksack's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,427 residents.
What health violations has Nooksack's water system had?
Nooksack has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Nooksack's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Nooksack uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 20 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Nooksack's water compare to other cities?
Nooksack ranks #14 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 95% of state cities) and #848 out of 15744 cities nationally (95th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Nooksack's small water system affect quality?
Nooksack's system serves approximately 2,427 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 20 violations on record.